Parachute Candidate with Maria Walsh

In episode eight of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Dr. Jennifer Cassidy on the current atrocities in the world, the impact of digital diplomacy, disinformation, and the role of genders in our politics. Our conversation starts with how she started her career as a diplomat to her academic focus with foresight in understanding the impact that social media would have o...

In episode seven of "Parachute Candidate," I speak with Lord Michael Cashman. Born in London, Michael has dedicated his life to improving the lived experience of the LGBTI+ community worldwide. Many will recognise Michael from his work on Albert Square as Colin Russell in "EastEnders." In 1989, his role featured the first same-sex kiss on a British soap! Activism is at the very core of his life, a...

In episode six of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. Mark served for 45 years in the Irish Naval Service, building on his skills to lead the Defence Force as Chief of Staff for over 6 years. Since his retirement in September 2021, Mark has continued his work in making positive change for Ireland and the European Union leading through his consultancy firm Green Compass whi...

In episode five of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Kevin Hyland, the UK's first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Over his 30 year career as a police officer, Kevin worked closely with survivors and victims of human trafficking and from this work, he was appointed an OBE for services to combating human trafficking in 2015. He authored the Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 which focuses on er...

In episode four of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Dr. Gladys Ganiel, Professor of Sociology at Queen's University. Gladys was born in the United States and has called Island of Ireland home since 1999. Her work has been predominantly focused on religion, in particular the role of religion in conflict specifically in Northern Ireland, the trends of Catholicism in Ireland and most recently religi...

In episode three of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Senior Research Fellow in the School of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Cork - Dr. Niall Dunphy. In addition to his work in UCC, Niall also serves as the Director of the Cleaner Production Promotion Unit, which is a multidisciplinary research group working on sustainability. Niall delivers his insight on people's consumption b...

In episode two of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Senior Lecturer of Maynooth University and alumni of Trinity College - Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan. In our frank and honest conversation, Katriona shares her experience of growing up with both parents dependent on drugs and in extreme poverty. She sheds light on teachers like Ms Arkinson and Mr Pickering who empowered and encouraged her to keep learn...

On the 'Parachute Candidate' podcast, Member of the European Parliament Maria Walsh believes the heart of understanding the good, the bad and the indifferent is - conversation. Join her as she speaks with people on issues impacting society and let's start a conversation. My first conversation is with Mari Steed, the daughter of Josephine Bassett who lived within religious orders and institutions a...

How do we become more tolerant when too often difficult conversations are left to characters of a social media post, eroding conversations on difficult issues? The "us versus them" debates is draining. On the 'Parachute Candidate' podcast, Member of the European Parliament Maria Walsh believes the heart of understanding the good, the bad and the indifferent is - conversation. Join her as she speak...